How to Use a Rice Cooker and Steamer: Step-by-Step Guide
By Home & Kitchen Appliances – Morphy Richards UK | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a rice cooker and steamer to cook fluffy rice and steam vegetables. Follow our step-by-step guide with tips for perfect results every time.
Quick Answer
To use a rice cooker and steamer, rinse your rice, add the correct water ratio, select the appropriate preset function (e.g., white rice), and use the steaming tray for vegetables. Avoid opening the lid during cooking for best results.
Why a Rice Cooker and Steamer Combo Saves Time
A rice cooker and steamer lets you cook grains and steam vegetables simultaneously, cutting down on cookware and cleanup. The included steaming tray sits above the rice, so you can prepare a complete meal in one appliance. This is especially handy for busy weeknights or when you want to keep side dishes warm without extra pots.
How to Use a Rice Cooker and Steamer: Step-by-Step
- 1. Rinse the Rice: Measure the desired amount of rice and rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Skipping the rinse can lead to sticky, clumpy rice.
- 2. Add Water and Rice to the Pot: Place the rinsed rice into the non-stick cooking pot. Add water according to the markings inside the pot or the included measuring cup. A general rule is 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water for white rice, but always check your model's guidelines. Using too much or too little water is the most common mistake—follow the pot's internal markings for accuracy.
- 3. Prepare Vegetables in the Steaming Tray: Place chopped vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, or green beans) in the steaming tray. Position the tray over the rice pot. For even cooking, cut vegetables into uniform sizes. Overcrowding the tray can cause uneven steaming; leave space for steam to circulate.
- 4. Select the Correct Preset Function: Close the lid securely and press the appropriate function button. For white rice, choose 'White Rice'; for brown rice, select 'Brown Rice'. If you are only steaming, use the 'Steam' function. The cooker will automatically switch to 'Keep Warm' when done. Using the wrong preset (e.g., white rice for brown rice) may undercook or burn the grains.
- 5. Let It Cook Without Opening the Lid: Once the cooking cycle starts, resist the urge to open the lid. The cooker regulates temperature and steam internally. Opening the lid releases steam and can disrupt cooking. Wait for the indicator to show 'Keep Warm' or for the timer to finish. Peeking mid-cycle can extend cooking time and affect texture.
- 6. Fluff and Serve: After cooking, let the rice rest for 5 minutes on 'Keep Warm'. Then open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork or paddle, and serve the steamed vegetables alongside. The non-stick pot makes serving and cleanup easy. Skipping the rest period can leave the rice slightly wet or unevenly textured.
Our Recommended Rice Cookers and Steamers
- 10 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer: This 10 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer has 5 preset functions: white rice, brown rice, saute, steam, and keep warm. It includes a vegetable steaming tray and a non-stick cooking pot for easy cleanup. The presets simplify cooking different grain types, and the steaming tray lets you prepare vegetables at the same time as rice, making it ideal for full meals.
10 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer - 8 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer: The 8 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer has a 1.5L capacity and a keep warm function that holds rice for up to 2 hours. Its non-stick pot ensures quick cleanup. This model is perfect for smaller households, and the keep warm feature means you can serve rice later without it drying out.
8 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer
